Emerald Isle to hold annual controlled deer hunts

EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (AP) — Emerald Isle will begin annual controlled hunts to deal with the town's growing deer population, rather than holding them just every other year.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reported the Emerald Isle Board of Commissioners has authorized annual controlled hunts, starting with one in January or February. Commissioners also approved the use of sharpshooters, although the 2014 hunt will be limited to bow hunters.

A state biologist estimates 159 deer lived in Emerald Isle in fall 2013, up from 141 the previous year. The state Wildlife Resources Commission estimates the town should have about 50 deer to maintain a healthy population.

Officials say public safety is an issue, with the number of collisions of deer and vehicles increasing from 19 in 2012 to 30 in 11 months of 2013.

Illinois hunters see Gov. Bruce Rauner as a potential new ally as they eye legislation that includes measures to ban the use of drones to track wildlife, allow silencers at gun ranges, expand coyote hunting to crossbows and resurrect a bobcat hunting season.

Advisory councils in nine Wisconsin counties whose deer are threatened by chronic wasting disease have recommended growing or maintaining their herds despite the advice of scientists who say that shrinking a herd is the best way to control the disease's spread.

George Krog served in the military, first in Cuba and then in the Philippines. He made a career out of working with steel, retired, paid his taxes and bought a deer hunting license every year. Now 84, Krog is afraid he won't get a shot at a buck again.

This year continues the trend of "bargain" rifles from the major manufacturers, offering deer hunters great guns at more affordable prices — like the Ruger American Rifle, the Winchester XPR, the Mossberg Patriot and more.

If you're planning to hunt out of state, you might have noticed terms like Preference Points, Bonus Points, Limited Entry Tags, Unlimited Draw, and more. What do all these big-game tag terms different?